Shoho Echizen Lacquer Three-Tier Jubako, Pine-Bamboo-Plum Maki-e, Black and Vermilion

A three-tier wooden jubako by Shoho, lacquered deep black outside and glossy vermilion within, and decorated in polished maki-e with the auspicious pine, bamboo and plum.

Echizen lacquerware from Kawada in Fukui Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest lacquer traditions. This box is built on a hon-katachi ground, the strong traditional foundation of urushi mixed with powdered clay, then hand-coated and finished with migaki (polished) maki-e. Pine, bamboo and plum, the "Three Friends of Winter", are a classic motif for celebrations, and a jubako like this is used above all for the New Year osechi feast, though it is equally handsome holding sweets or on display. The 6.5-sun size suits a small household.

Details

• Maker: Shoho (正峰), Echizen lacquer
• Materials: wood, hand-applied urushi over hon-katachi ground, polished maki-e
• Colours: black exterior, vermilion interior
• Size: 19.8 × 19.8 × 19.3 cm (three tiers with lid)
• Box: wooden box
• Condition: new

Watch: how Echizen lacquerware is made

A TEWAZA craft film showing Echizen lacquerware techniques, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Urushi lacquer is durable but dislikes direct sun and very dry air; care notes are included.